Temporary binder.



F, H. CURRY & LA RUE R. GOPPAGE.

TEMPORARY BINDER.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 2, 1908.

Patented Dec. M, 1909.

d 3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

WITNESSES F. H. CURRY & LA RUE R. GOPPAGE.

TEMPORARY BINDER. 'A PLIUATION FILED JUNE 2, 190a.

Ma ma Patented Dec. 14, 1909.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

LIZ-21A 1 a F. H. CURRY 81; LA RUE RPOOPPAGE.

TEMPORARY BINDER.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 2, 190a.

Patented Dec. 14, 1909.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

STATES PEN F FREDERICK I-I. CURRY, OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, AND LA RUE R. COPPAGE, 0F BOSTON,

MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNORS TO A. E. MARTELL COMPANY, OF BOSTON, MASSA- CHUSETTS, A CORPORATION OF MAINE.

TEMPORARY BINDER.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, FREDERICK H. CURRY, residing at Arlington Heights, in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, and LA RUE R. COPPAGE, residing at Boston, in the county of Suifolk and State of h lassachusetts, citizens of the United States, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Temporary finders, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in temporary binders for loose leaves or sheets, and it has primarily for its object to provide a simple and efiicientmechanism for clamping or securing the leaves or sheets within the cover, which mechanism may be quickly released to permit the ready withdrawal or insertion of the leaves or sheets and the binder to be correspondingly contracted or expanded at will.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel device of this character wherein the interlocked elements are disengaged by suitable movement of a releasing bar, said bar projecting beyond one end of the binder to permit ready access thereto, the projecting end serving as a finger-hold the inward movement of which causes the release of the interlocked elements.

The invention has for its object to provide also novel means whereby the releasing bar can be held against movement so that the possibility of the binders expanding accidentally or its contents being tampered with is prevented.

The invention has for a further object the provision of a novel device of this character comprising separable cover members provided with telescoping posts which are secured to removable strips carried by the separable members. The strips are removable in order to permit the substitution of other strips having posts arranged at intervals which correspond to the spaces between the notches or perforations in leaves of various designs adapted to be employed in conjunction with the invention.

Furthermore, the invention has for its object to provide a novel device of thischaracter consisting essentially of three mem- Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed June 2, 1908.

Patented Dec. 14, 1909.

Serial No, 436,300.

bers, to wit; a stationary member or back, and two sides or cover members movable with relation to the back and to each other, said movable side or cover members being connected to the stationary back member in such a manner as to prevent the movable cover member from binding in any way, which makes it possible to eXert pressure on the movable members at any point to cause them to move, as if the pressure was applied at their centers.

The invention also has for its object to provide a novel device of this class wherein the locking and unlocking mechanism is carried by or positioned in close proximity to the back of the binder, thus confining said mechanism to a minimum of space, so as to allow the writing surface to be brought as close as possible to the desk.

Again, the invention has for its object to provide a novel device of this character wherein the movable side members are con nected by links to rotary disks carried by the stationary back member, said rotary disks being provided with segmental toothed portions acting in conjunction with looking pawls or dogs.

It is also an object of the invention to provide in a device of this character a longitudinally-reciprooating bar having means adapted to contact with the pawls or dogs to release the same from the toothed segments in order that the movable side members may be separated under the influence of springs.

The invention also includes, as an object, the provision of novel plates carried by the movable side members to serve as hinge members for supporting the covers of the binder.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel device of this character which will be simple in construction, comparatively inexpensive in manufacture, and handy, convenient, durable and safe in use.

In describing the invention in detail, reference will be had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts in the several views, and in which Figure 1 is a view in front elevation,

partly in section, of a binder constructed according to the invention, the movable side members being shown as slightly separated or opened and the covers of the binder being omitted. Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view partly in front elevation, and partly in section illustrating certain details of the invention, hereinafter referred to. Fig. 3 is a section on the line A-A of Fig. 2, a fragment of a cover of the binder being shown in place. Fig. 1 is a section on the line BB of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a section on the line CC of Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a section on the line D of Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a detail in plan of one of the movable side members or cover-holders detached. Fig. 8 .is a section on the line EE of Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is a view in end elevation of the stationary back member, illustrating the mechanism for locking the releasing-bar against movement. Fig. 10 is a section on the line F'F of Fig. 1. Fig. 11 is a detail of the releasing-bar. Fig. 12 is an end view of the releasing-bar. Fig. 13 is a detail of one of the locking-pawls. Fig. 14: is a detail view of a housing employed in conjunction with the locking mechanism for holding the releasing-bar against movement. Fig. 15 is a detail of a rotary bolt or plug designed to be positioned within the housing shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a fragmentary view illustrating an end portion of one of the movable cover members. Fig. 17 is a view in elevation of the stationary back member removed, illustrating the locking mechanism carried thereby. Fig. 18 shows in perspective a complete binder constructed according to our invention; and Fig. 19 shows one of the loose leaves or sheets adapted to be employed in conjunction with our new binder.

In the drawings 1 denotes the movable cover members or sides of the binder and 2 indicates the stationary member or back. Secured to the opposed faces of the movable members are the longitudinal plates 3 bent to form an angle and, therefore, approximately L-shaped'in cross section and each having one side or flange near the rear edges of the movable members 1. The plates 3 may be secured to the cover members 1 in any desired manner but it is preferred that screw fastenings 1 passing through one side or flange be employed; for, such an arrangement will readily permit the removal of any of the plates as the necessities of practice may require. The free-flange portion of each plate 3 extends over the inner face of the stationary member 2 and, preferably, contacts therewith. The ends of the fastened sides or flanges of the plates 3 are provided with guide lugs or plates 5, the guide plates of one of the movable members overlapping the guide plates of the other movable member. These guide lugs or plates 5 ride or travel in guides 6 formed by bending the end portions of the stationary back member 2, as is more particularly shown in Figs. 2, 8, 10 and 18.

Rotatably mounted adjacent each end of the stationary back member 2 is a disk 7, pivoted to which are the ends of the links 8. The opposite ends of the latter are pivotally held by split bracket-lugs 9 projecting inwardly from the movable side members 1, (Fig. 3). WVhile it is in no way an indispensable feature of the invention, it is to be stated that the flange or side portions of the plates 3 which are fastened to the side members 1 are suitably perforated to permit the passage of these cars or lugs 9. (See Fig. it is to be observed that these cars or bracket-lugs 9 are slotted or split and that the ends of the links 8 inserted in the slots are each engaged by the headed screw pin 10. The latter is in threaded engagement with the lug 9 and its head lies in the slot; so that, properly speaking, the head of the pin 10 acts as the pivot (see Fig. The pivotal connections of the links 8 with the disks 7 and bracket-lugs 9 are so disposed that there is no possibility of a dead center and the movable side members can therefore be readily forced toward each other from any point intermediate their ends. This arrangement of the links 8 further prevents the plates 3 from binding and thereby permits the movable side members 1 to be forced toward each other at any point as easily as if the pressure was applied at their centers. Vith each of the disks 7, two links 8 are employed, the pivotal connections of the links of each pair with their disk being on opposite sides of and equidistant from the center or pivot of the disk (Fig. In order to insure that the disks 7 may rotate simultaneously in the same direction, through the same angle and thereby prevent the binding of the plates 3 as hereinbefore described, the disks 7 are connected by the longitudinally-disposed link-bars 11.

Each of the disks 7 is provided with a toothed segment 12. It is preferable that the teeth of the segment 12 be fine so that the locking pawls or dogs 13 acting in 0011- junction therewith may hold the movable cover members approximately at any position in their outward travel. Attention is also directed to the fact that the toothed segments 12 of the disks 7 are on the same side of the pivots of the disks.

Each of the pawls 13 (illustrated in detail in Fig. 13) is pivotally held by a pin 14 projecting from the stationary member 2 in advance of the toothed portion 12 and 1 5 the edge of the pawl 13 opposed to the toothed segment 12 is provided with a tooth 15 adapted to engage the teeth of the portion 12. This tooth 15 is held normally in engagement with the segmei'it 12 by a spring 16 having one end mounted in a stud 17 formed on the free end of the pawl 13. The other end of the spring 16 is secured to a post 18, projecting from the stationary back member 2. The intermediate or body portion of the spring 16 is suitably coiled about the head of the pin 14. The teeth of the segment 12 are so inclined with relation to the tooth of the pawl as not only to permitsaid tooth to ride thereover when the movable cover sections 1 are forced together but also to lock the movable cover sections against separation until the tooth 15 is disengaged from the segment 12. To disengage the pawls 13 a flat longitudinally-reciprocating releasing-bar 19 extends across the centers of the disks 7 and is supported by socketed posts 20 projecting from the stationary member 2. This releasingbar is held slidably upon the posts 20 by screwbolts 21. The latter engage thread-ed sockets 22 in the posts 20 and pass through slots 23 in the releasing-bar 19. In order that the movement of the releasing-bar 19 in its reciprocation will not wear the threads of the bolts 21, those portions of the bolts 21 within the slots 23 are surrounded by washers 24 which are interposed between the tops of the posts 20 and the heads of the bolts 21 and afford a suitable bearing support. (Figs. 8 and 10.) One end of the releasingbar 19 normally projects into a transverse slot 25 formed in a housing 26 fastened to the stationary back member 2 near one end thereof. While any form of housing may be employed it is preferable that the same be cylindrical with one end nearly closed. The housing 26 is also provided with a threaded base 27, extending within a recess 28 in the stationary back member 2, and this threaded base 27 is engaged by a bolt 29 passing through the stationary back member 2 from the exterior so that the housing 26 may be effectually held against displacement (see left end of Fig. 8).

The outer end of the releasingbar 19 has secured thereto through the medium of the screw 30, a push-button 31 which normally projects through an opening 32 in one end 6 of the stationary member 2. A contractile spring 33 is secured at one end to a lug 34, on the releasing-bar 19, while the other end of said spring is fastened to a post 35 projecting from the stationary member 2, said post 35 being positioned at a point intermediate the post 34 and the guide end 6 just referred to (Fig. 8). The movement imparted to the releasing-bar 19 by this spring 33 is limited by the walls of the slots 23 contacting with the sleeves 24.

Projecting from one edge of the releasing-bar 19 adjacent each of the studs 17 is a tooth or lug 36, which, when the releasingbar 19 is moved by forcing inwardly the push-button 31, will engage the studs 17 and release the pawls or dogs 13 (or their teeth 15) from the toothed segments 12 of the disks 7 to permit the movable cover sections, 1 to be separated. automatically as hereinafter described. As soon as pressure is taken from the push-button 31, the spring 33 Will move the ears 36 out of engagement with the studs 17 and the springs 16 will cause the pawl teeth 15 immediately to engage the toothed segments 12 and to hold the movable cover sections 1. in their adjusted positions.

hen desired, the releasing-bar 19 may be held against movement; and in order to accomplish this result there is mounted within the housing 26 a rotary plug or bolt member 37 (Fig. 15), which has in its inner end a groove 38. The latter when properly positioned by turning the bolt, is adapted to register with the slot of the housing, thereby forming a recess of sufficient depth to permit proper movement of the releasingbar 19 to perform its function. This is the normal position of the rotary bolt 37. The outer end of the rotary bolt 37 is provided with a key-way 39 registering with an opening 40 in the adjacent guide or end. plate 6 of the stationary member 2. (Fig. 8). By the application of a suitable key (not shown) within the key-way 39 the bolt member 37 can be rotated to bring the recess 38 out of register with the slot 25; and when the bolt member 37 is in such position, the releasing-bar 19 will be locked against movement.

The movable cover members 1 are forced together manually but the separation thereof is effected automatically. The inner face of each of the movable cover members 1 along its free longitudinal edge portion is reduced in thickness or channeled and in said reduced portion is fitted a strip 41. The latter may be suitably secured to the member as desired; and as shown, it is removable, for which reason the screw-fasteners 42 are employed (Fig. 3). Carried by the strips 41 and suitably positioned thereon are the tubular posts 43, the posts 43 of one of the strips 41 telescoping in the posts of the other strip. Confined within the posts, when assembled, are the coil-springs 44 which are compressed when the movable members 1 are forced together. These springs quickly and automatically force apart or separate the movable members 1 when the teeth 15 of the pawls 13 are disengaged from the toothed segments 12 as hereinbefore set forth.

The leaves 45 to be employed in conjunction with the invention, (Fig. 19), are provided in one edge with the openings 46, the walls of which, in practice, are caused to surround the posts 43. The movable cover members 1, when forced together, press against the leaves and thereby effectually -&

hold the same against displacement. hen it is desired to remove or insert a leaf it is only necessary to press upon the push button 31, when the movable cover members 1 will be automatically separated by the springs 44:.

The advantage of having the strips alremovable lies in the fact that the notches in one series of leaves to be employed in conjunction with the binder may be spaced differeutly from those of a series of leaves previously employed. In such cases it is only necessary to remove the strips 411 and replace them by other strips having posts secured thereto properly spaced to receive the second series of leaves.

Acting in conjunction with the binder are the covers 17 of proper size which are hinged to the side members 1. lVhile this connec tion of the covers with the members 1 may be as desired, it has been found best to interpose between the strips 11 and the reduced portions of the cover members 1 the hinge members 18 (Fig. said hinge members being held against displacement by the fastening screws 42 of the strips 411. The strips 41 clamp the hinge members 18 and thereby hold the latter in position. Each .of the hinge-plates 48 is folded longitudinally upon itself and the bent or folded edge projects beyond the edge of the member 1 and is cut away at intervals, as at 49, (Fig. 1) to form the eyes 50 for the reception of a hinge pintle 51. The opposed edge portion of the cover 47 is provided with a similar hinge plate 52, the eyes of the hinge-plate 52 fitting snugly between the eyes 50 of the hingeplate 48.

As the various parts of the binder are formed of metal it has been found best to provide the movable members 1 at their free corners with the rubber buffers 54: so that the binder will be prevented from injuring a desk or other furniture. These buffers may be applied in any desired manner but, as shown in Fig. 6, it has been found best that each of the buffers be inserted within a reduced portion or pocket 55 in the outer face of the movable members 1 at a corner thereof. This buffer is provided with an opening 56 through which passes a rotary retaining member 57 having a threaded recess 58 engaging the outer wall of one of the nuts or burs 59 of the retaining screws 4: of a plate 3. The retaining member 57 has in its head the cavities 60 adapted to be engaged by a suitable tool whereby the said member may be properly rotated either to remove or to clamp a buffer.

The bolts 21 hereinbefore referred to also hold in position a guard or cover plate 62 extending almost the entire length of the stationary member 2 and of a width slightly less than the distance between the movable members 1 when said movable members are in their position of nearest approach. This guard plate 62 protects the locking mechanism of the binder.

As indicated at 61, Fig. 16, the plates 3 and 5 are suitably recessed or perforated to avoid any obstructions the difi'erent parts of the device might present. It is further to be observed that the disks 7 rotate in a plane parallel to the stationary back member 2 and that nearly all the elements of the device are carried by or arranged in close proX- imity to the stationary back member 2. This latter arrangement, as fully demonstrated in practice, allows the writing surface of the leaves to be brought close to the desk.

In order to limit the outward movement of the cover members 1, the disks 8 are provided with stop-lugs 64 (Fig. 3) which engage posts 63 (Figs. 8 and 10).

The cover members of our new binder may be moved apart, while the binder is lying open on the desk. This result is obtained by merely pressing the releasing-bar 19. The latter is free from any control by the springs 1 1 which tend to force the covermembers apart, and is, therefore, more easily operated, more handy and controllable in use and less liable to get out of order.

Another feature of our invention lies in the provision of pawl-and-ratchet mechanism for holding the cover-members in adjusted position. The use of pawl-andratchet mechanism permits a step-by-step adjustment of the cover members, the springcontrolled pawl engaging and locking the ratchet-device as the latter is moved tooth by tooth. In order that there may be no binding of the ratchet-device, the links 8 are connected to the disk 7 at opposite ends of a diameter, the latter lying at right angles to the direction line of the force applied to the cover-members to move the same relatively to each other. To synchronize and equalize the rotary movement of the ratchetdisks, they are connected by link-bars 11; and this arrangement of parts is an important feature of our invention, as it serves to prevent binding. .To aid in accomplishing the latter result, the angle-members 3 are provided with guide-plates 5 at their ends and these guide-plates work in guide-ways formed by bending or doubling back the ends 6 of the back-member 2 upon themselves. The latter construction also adds strength and gives rigidity to the binder when the springs 44: are expanded to their greatest extent.

Another feature of our invention rests in forming the cover-members 1 with channels or grooves in their opposite inner faces and fitted in these grooves are post-supporting strips 41 which may be readily removed and replaced by strips having posts the intervals between which are different from those separating the posts of the strips replaced. This permits the same binder to be used with leaves or sheets punched according to *arious designs; that is, leaves or sheets in which the intervals between the holes or notches a6 vary from the standard. Furthern'iore, the hinge-plates 48 are held in the same channel and by the same means which hold the strips 41 in place. This construc tion gives strength and durability to the binder and provides for ease of repair and substitution in case of breakage.

Another important feature of our invention lies in providing means for preventing the operation of the releasing-bar 19. By the provision of these means, we are enabled to prevent unauthorized use of the binder, while retaining all the advantages of quickness and convenience of operation by provision of the releasing-bar.

e are aware that a binder has been patented in which rotary disks are interposed between the cover-members and connected therewith. But in this case the disks are provided with worm-wheels and driven by a rigidly-mounted worm-shaft, for locking which against operation no provision is made. In our new binder the cover-members are rapidly forced apart by the coilsprings 44 and the cover-members may be forced together very rapidly by exerting pressure upon them. 7e are further aware that another binder has been patented in which pinions are driven by worms on a shaft, the latter being movable to disengage the worms from the worm-wheels or pinions. These pinions engage racks which are fastened to the cover-members. In this case, when the worms on the worm-shaft are in engagement with the pinions the latter are locked against movement except by turning the worm-shaft and there is no separation of locking mechanism from the mechanism for moving the covermembers relatively to each other. Hence, when the .pinions are unlocked by movement of the worm-shaft to disengage the worms from the worm-wheels or pinions, there is no mechanism for moving the cover-members relatively to each other. In our new binder, the locking mechanism is separated from the mechanism for forcing apart the cover-members; and it is only by releasing the locking-pawl from its ratchet that the spring mechanism can operate to force the cover-members apart. In the binder referred to no provision is made for locking the worm-shaft against movement. Again we are aware that a pair of cover-members have been heretofore provided in which one cover-member carries a ratchet-bar and the other a bar formed with ratchet teeth, the last named bar being mounted upon the end of a lever. This lever is used to force the cover-members apart and is controlled by a spring which assists in that function. In our new binder, the releasing-bar 19 is entirely free from control by the coil-springs 4A and it is, moreover, carried by the stationary back-member and not by one of the cover-members as in the prior structure.

\Ve claim:

1. The combination with a pair of cover members movable relatively to each other, of a rotary device interposed between and 0011- nected with said cover members theanovement of which rotates said device; locking means which engage and prevent the rotation of said device and thereby the movement of said cover members; mechanism which moves said cover members relatively to each other, when said locking means and rotary device are disengaged from each other; and a releasing device for disengaging said locking means and rotary device from each other.

2. The combination with a pair of cover members movable relatively to each other, of a rotary device interposed between and connected with said cover members the move ment of which rotates said device; locking means which engage and prevent the rotation of said device and thereby the movement of said cover members; mechanism which moves said cover members relatively to each other, when said locking means and rotary device are disengaged from each other; a releasing device for disengaging said locking means and rotary device from each other; and a device for preventing the operation of said releasing device.

3. The combination with a pair of cover members movable relatively to each other, of a pair of links each of which is connected to one of said cover members; a rotary device connected with both of said links; locking means which engage and prevent the rotation of said device and thereby the movement of said cover members; and a releasing device for disengaging said locking means and rotary device from each other.

4. The combination with a pair of cover members movable relatively to each other, of a pair of links each of which is connected to one of said cover members; a rotary device connected with both of said links; locking means which engage and prevent the rotation of said device and thereby the movement of said cover members; a releasing device for disengaging said locking means and rotary device from each other; and mechanism for preventing the operation of said releasing device.

5. The combination with a pair of cover members movable relatively to each other, of a pair of links each of which is connected to one of said cover members; a rotary device connected with both of said links; locking means which engage and prevent the rotation of said device in one direction, while permitting its free movement in the opposite direction; and a releasing device for disengaging said locking means and rotary device from each other.

6. The combination with a pair of cover members movable relatively to each other, of a pair of links each of which is'connected to one of said cover members; a rotary device connected with both of said links; locking means which engage and prevent the rotation of said device in one direction, while permitting its free movement in the opposite direction; a releasing device for disengaging said locking means and rotary device from each other; and mechanism for preventing the operation of said releasing device.

7. The combination with a pair of cover members, iovable relatively to each other, of a pair of links each of which is connected to one of said cover members; a rotary device connected with both of said links; locking means which engage and prevent the rotation of said device and thereby the movement of said cover members relatively to each other; a releasing device for disengaging said locking means and rotary device from each other; and mechanism for automatically moving said cover members relatively to each other, when said locking means and rotary device are disengaged.

8. The combination with a pair of cover members movable relatively to each other, of a pair of links each of which is connected to one of said cover members; a rotary device connected with both of said links; locking means which engage and prevent the rotation of said device and thereby the movement of said cover members; a releasing device for disengaging said locking means and rotary device from each other; mechanism for moving said cover members relatively to each other, when said locking means and rotary device are disengaged from each other; and mechanism for preventing the operation of said releasing device.

9. The combination with a pair of cover members movable-relatively to each other, of a pair of links each of which is connected to one of said cover members; a rotary device connected with both of said links; locking means which engage and prevent the rotation of said device in one direction,

while permitting its free movement in the opposite direction; a releasing device for disengaging said locking means and rotary device from each other; and mechanism "for moving said. cover members relatively to each other, when said locking means and retary device are disengaged from each other.

10. The combination with a pair of cover members movable relatively to each other, of a pair of links each of which is connected to one of said cover members; a rotary device connected with both of said links; locking means which engage and prevent the rotation of said device in one direction, while permitting its free movement in the opposite direction; a releasing device for disengaging said locking means and rotary device from each other; mechanism for moving said cover members relatively to each other, when said locking means and rotary device are disengaged from each other; and mechanism for preventing the operation of said releasing device.

11. The combination with a pair of cover members movable relatively to each other; of a pair rotary devices interposed between and connected with said cover members the movement of which rotates said devices; locking means which engage and prevent the rotation of one of said devices and thereby the movement of said cover members relatively to each other; mechanism which moves said cover members relatively to each other, when said locking means and rotary device are disengaged from each other; a releasing device for disengaging said locking means and rotary device; and a link connecting said pair of rotary devices.

12. The combination with a pair of cover members movable relatively to each other, of a pair of rotary devices interposed between and connected with said cover members the movement of which rotates said devices; locking means which engage and prevent the rotation of one of said devices and thereby the movement of said cover members relatively to each other; mechanism which moves said cover members relatively to each other, when said locking means and rotary device are disengaged from each other; a releasing device for disengaging said locking means and rotary device; mechanism for preventing the operation of said releasing device; and a link connecting said pair of rotary devices.

13. The combination with a pair of cover members, of a toothed member formed with ratchet teeth and connected with both of said cover members; a spring-coi'itrolled pawl which engages said ratchet teeth and holds said cover members in adjusted position; means for throwing said pawl out of engagement with said ratchet teeth to permit the movement of said cover members relatively to each other; and mechanism for preventing the operation of said means.

14. The combination with a pair of cover members, of a toothed member formed with ratchet teeth and connected with both cl' said cover members; a spring-controlled pawl which engages said ratchet teeth and holds said cover members in adjusted position; means for throwing said pawl out of engagement with said ratchet teeth to permit the movement of said cover members relatively to each other; mechanism for moving said cover members relatively to each other, when said pawl is disengaged from said ratchet teeth; and mechanism for preventing the operation of said means.

The combination with a pair of cover members, of a rotary toothed member connected with both of said cover members; a spring-controlled locking device for holding said toothed member against rotation and thereby said cover members in adjusted position; means for releasing said toothed member from looking engagement with said device; mechanism for moving said cover members relatively to each other, when said toothed member and locking device are disengaged; and mechanism for preventing the operation of said means.

16. The combination with a pair of cover members, of means for automatically moving said members relatively to each other; a rotary disk formed with ratchet teeth and connected with one of said members; a spring-controlled pawl for locking said disk in isition to hold said members in adjusted position; a releasing device for throwing said pawl out of engagement with said ratchet teeth to permit said members to be moved relatively to each other by said means. said releasing device being free from control by said means; and mechanism for locking said device against operation.

17. The combination with a pair of cover members, of means for automatically moving said members relatively to each other; a spring-controlled pawl-and-ratchet mechanism tor holding said members in adjusted position; a releasing device for throwing the pawl of said mechanism out of engagement with its co-acting ratchet to permit said means to move said members relatively to each other; said releasing device being free from control by said means; and means for locking said releasing dev'ice against movement.

18. The combination with a pair of cover members movable relatively to each other, of spring-mntrolled locking means for holding said cover members against relative D'lOVGlTlQllt; a device for releasing said locking means, said device being free from connection with said cover members; and means for preventing the operation of said device.

19. The combination with a pair of cover members movable relatively to each other, of locking means for holding said cover members against relative movement; a slidable device for releasing said locking means, said device being free from connection with said cover members; and means for preventing the operation of said device.

20. The combination with a back member and a pair of cover members movable relatively thereto, of spring-controlled locking means for holding said cover members against movement; a device for releasing said locking means, said device being carried by said back member; and means for preventing the operation of said device.

21. The combination with a back member and a pair of cover members movable relatively thereto, of locking means for holding said cover members against movement; a. slidable device for releasing said locking means, said device being carried by said back member; and means for preventing the operation of said device.

22. The combination with a back member and a pair of cover members movable relatively thereto, of spring-controlled locking means for holding said cover members against movement; a device for releasing said locking means; and means carried by said back member for preventing the operation of said device.

28. The combination with a back member and a pair of cover members movable relatively thereto, of spring-controlled locking means for holding said cover members against movement; a device for releasing said locking means; and rotary means carried by said back member for preventing the operation of said device.

24. The combination of a cover member formed with a channel in one of its faces; a hinge-plate mounted in said channel; strips fastened in said channel outside of said hinge-plate and readily removable from said channel; and sheet-retaining posts carried by said strips and removable therewith from said cover member.

25. In a device of the character described, the combination of a back member; cover members movable with relation to said back member; rotary disks mounted on said back member; links which connect said disks to said cover members; spring-controlled locking means acting in conjunction with said disks for holding said disks against movement; and means for moving said locking means out of engagement with said disks.

26. In a device of the character described, the combination of a back member; cover members movable with relation to said back member; rotary disks mounted on said back member; links which connect said disks to said cover members spring-controlled locking means for holding said disks against movement; means for moving said locking means out of engagement with said disks; and links connecting said disks.

27. In a device of the character described, the combination of a back member; cover members movable with relation to said back member; rotary disks mounted on said back member; links which connect said disks to said cover members each of said disks being provided with a toothed portion; pawls carried by said back member and normally engaging said toothed portions; and means engaging said pawls for releasing the same from the toothed portions of the disks.

28. In a device of the character described, the combination of a back member; cover members movable with relation to said back and cover member; rotary toothed disks mounted on said back member and connected to said cover member; pawls normally engaging the toothed portions of the disks; and a device for disengaging said pawls from said toothed portions.

In a device of the character described, the combination of a back member; cover members movable with relation to said back member; rotary disks mounted on said back member and connected to said cover members; said disks having toothed portions; pawls carried by said back member and normally engaging the toothed portions of said disks; and a movable bar contacting with said pawls for releasing the same from the toothed portions of said disks.

30. In a device of the character described, the combination of a back member; cover members movable with relation to said back member; rotary disks mounted on said back member; links connecting said rotary disks members said disks toothed portions, pawls carried by said back member and normally engaging the toothed portions of said disks; and a movable bar carried by said back member to engage said pawls for releasing the same.

31. In a device of the character described, the combination of a back member; cover members movable with relation to said back member; locking means for holding said cover members against movement; a housing carried by said back member, said housing being formed with a slot; and a slidable bar adapted to release said locking means, said bar having one end normally working within the slot of said housing.

having 32. In a device of the character described, the combination of a back member; cover members movable with relation to said back member; locking means for holding said cover members against movement; a housing carried by said back member, said housing being formed with a slot; a slidable bar adapted to release said locking means, said bar having one end normally working within the slot of said housing; and means within the housing movable to obstruct the slot thereof and thereby to hold said bar against movement.

In a device of the character described, the combination of a back member; cover members movable with relation to the same; removable plates carried by said cover members; sheet-retaining posts carried by said plates; and hinge members clamped to said cover members by said removable plates.

34. In a device of the character described, the combination of a back member; cover members movable with relation thereto; plates carried by said cover members; retaining means for said plates; and bullers carried by said cover members, said bufl'ers being held in position by said retaining means.

In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands at said Boston this 25th day of May, A. D., 1908, in the presence of the two undersigned witnesses.

FREDERICK H. CURRY. LA RUE R. COPPAGE.

Witnesses ARTHUR E. MARTELL, E. H.- CRANDELL. 

